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“Handy” Handprint Crafts for Young Kids

As an elementary teacher, I’m always noticing handprint crafts posted up around the school. When I was younger I doubt I’d have really appreciated these art projects much but now that I’m a mom I can really see their value. To the children, it’s just a fun craft, but for moms and dads, handprint crafts are like stamps in a child’s life. They’re memory keepers that preserve the tender moments of childhood. Here I am getting all sappy, but it’s not only true, it’s also important. Here are some fun and “handy” handprint (and footprint) crafts for young kids to help you capture their early years of life.

Cold Feet

This may be the only time you’ll actually want cold feet. Make penguin footprints in the winter to remember just how tiny those little toes are. Source.

BEE-Utiful Family

I like having birth order keepsakes for my children. It’s a sweet way for me to remember how my oldest has gone from being my first baby to now being the leader and example for his brothers. I also love having that reminder that they grow up quickly and that I shouldn’t take this years for granted. This bee footprint project is a bee-utiful way to keep the whole hive in the picture.

Mother’s Day Apron

Since the whole point of Mother’s Day is to celebrate motherhood, what better gift to receive than one that showcases the tiny hands and feet you’ve raised? This is one homemade craft I’d love to get for Mother’s Day! Source.

Salt Dough Handprint

I especially love this handprint project! I always want to remember those precious first months and years that highlight the special bond between mom and Baby. Source.

Salt Dough Ornaments

Another great way to use salt dough handprints is to make festive tree decorations. Over the years, I’ve come to appreciate that holiday trees aren’t just for fancy decor but are also for highlighting memories. Salt dough ornaments are perfect for the job! What other holiday symbols can you think to make? Get the DIY here.

Ball Ornaments

Another fun way to make holiday ornaments is to use tree balls. Simply apply the prints to the balls with acrylic paint. Your kids will love being able to decorate the print and have the ornament on display all December long! Source.

Quilted Hands

My mother is a beautiful quilter. In fact, I often say that I don’t care what else I inherit from my mom aside from her quilts. To me, they are a perfect example of the time, care, love, and exactness she has always put into being my mom. This hand quilt would be just as special to your children as my mother’s quilts are to me! You’ll need to trace the handprints onto fabric to preserve those precious hands. Find the source here.

Handprint Totes

Here’s another great gift idea for mom as she plays her other roles as coach, chauffeur, doctor, and everything else! My boys really are my sunshine! Nifty Mom shares the tutorial here.

Prints Through the Years

Consider making a handprint timeline gallery for your child’s room instead of or in addition to tracking their height on the wall. The bright colors are fun and it’s a unique way to document your child’s growth. Source.

Paper Art

Use paper to create this cute wall display. It reminds me of an expensive art piece you’d buy at Pottery Barn only much more special to YOU! Source.

Wood Sign

This wood sign is worthy of display on your home walls. I like that it has both the hand and feet. Image source.

Pet Prints

Fido’s one of the kids too! Well, at least it feels like it sometimes with how much work they require and love they return. The years pass just as quickly (if not more so!) for pets as kids so be sure to capture their little prints as well! Find this cute pet print ornament idea here.